Mhaske slams Uddhav Thackeray for “emotional blackmail” of Balasaheb to seize Shiv Sena control
Shiv Sena MP and spokesperson Naresh Mhaske launched a sharp attack on Uddhav Thackeray during a press conference in New Delhi, accusing him of hijacking the Shiv Sena by emotionally blackmailing Balasaheb Thackeray during a crucial leadership transition.
Mhaske claimed that Uddhav had threatened to leave the Thackeray household when Balasaheb was considering handing over party reins to leaders like Raj Thackeray, Ganesh Naik, and Narayan Rane. “He used the same pressure tactic with Narayan Rane to consolidate his control,” Mhaske said.
He recalled that Raj Thackeray had once offered to take charge of the party in regions where Shiv Sena was struggling, and that Balasaheb was willing to trust him with that responsibility—until Uddhav intervened. “It was emotional blackmail that pushed Balasaheb into handing over power to Uddhav,” Mhaske claimed.
Defending the recent meeting between deputy CM Eknath Shinde and MNS Chief Raj Thackeray, Mhaske said their ideological alignment is rooted in Balasaheb’s vision.
“The meeting made some people uncomfortable, but the truth is, both leaders share the same core values. It’s ironic that those who once stood firmly against Congress now seek its support,” he added, taking a dig at Uddhav Thackeray.
Mhaske also slammed the Uddhav faction for what he called “manipulating Balasaheb’s legacy” through doctored videos and fabricated statements. “You misuse Balasaheb’s voice because you lack the courage to directly criticize Eknath Shinde or Devendra Fadnavis,” he said.
Highlighting electoral performance, Mhaske stated: “Uddhav’s group contested 100 seats and won just 20. Meanwhile, the Shinde-led Shiv Sena contested 80 and won 60. The people have made it clear who carries Balasaheb’s legacy forward.”
He even predicted defections: “Mark my words: within a month, many who attended your Nashik rally will leave your side".
Targeting his criticism at Uddhav Thackeray’s past government, Mhaske demanded accountability on several corruption scandals. “You delayed municipal elections deliberately and oversaw scams—from body bags to khichdi to Patra Chawl redevelopment. When will you answer for that?”
In a striking revelation, Mhaske accused Sanjay Raut of harboring jealousy towards the late Dharamveer Anand Dighe. “You once got him arrested through a provocative article you published. You have no moral right to even speak his name,” he said.
He concluded by pointing to Rajan Vichare’s weak showing in the Lok Sabha polls.
“Despite asking voters to choose Dighe’s true follower, Vichare couldn’t even secure a decisive victory in his own municipal ward. Thane knows who really represents Dighe’s legacy.”
India